Select the correct option:
Only after ten years of extensive fieldwork ____________ fully grasp the subtle nuances of the dialect.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. did she
Introduction: The sentence expresses that “only after ten years” was she able to fully grasp something — a case of inversion used after negative or restrictive adverbs.
Context: The phrase “only after ten years” triggers inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb.
Analysis of the given options:
- She has: Incorrect — no inversion.
- Did she: Correct inversion form (simple past tense).
- Has she: Incorrect tense.
- Has she been: Grammatically awkward and tense mismatch.
Correct word: Did she
Reason: Inversion after “only after…” requires auxiliary did when referring to a past event.
Final Sentence: Only after ten years of extensive fieldwork did she fully grasp the subtle nuances of the dialect.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.